From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Glades Landlords May Be Checking For Sex Predators

Proposed Ordinance Restricts Tenant Selection

MOORE HAVEN, FL. -- At the Tuesday morning Glades County Commission meeting a proposed ordinance will force landlords to check on prospective tenants for any sex offense convictions. Commissioner's discussion focused on the criminal liability for landlords who will be required by the ordinance to verify that possible tenants are not convicted sexual offenders.

The purpose of the ordinance is to prevent residence of sexual offenders within 2500 feet of a school, child care facility or public park. County Attorney Richard Pringle was directed to modify Section 4 of the ordinance to include civil penalty but not criminal penalty for non-compliance by landlords and to prepare a standard form for written verification by landlords stating that tenants are not sexual offenders. Sheriff Whiddon stated his office would provide search of national and FDLE sex offender registries as a free service to landlords. The public hearing for this ordinance was continued until July 23 at which time Attorney Pringle will have a revised version.